Tożsamość sycylijska w filmach Giuseppe Tornatore
Sicilian identity in the Giuseppe Tornatore films

Summary/Abstract: Sicily is an island of contrasts. On the one hand, a great historical legacy, monuments, cultural wealth, beautiful landscapes that are ideal for filmmakers, and on the other – a place defined by its historical problems, one of the highest unemployment rates in Italy, constantly high corruption and infamous Sicilian mafia. History has left a significant mark on the inhabitants of the island, creating a specific Sicilian identity. This issue has been frequently noticed by Italian cinematographers, resulting in “Sicilianism” emanating from many films that take place in Sicily or whose heroes are Sicilians. The aim of this article is to analyze the work of the most famous director from Sicily – Giuseppe Tornatore, through the prism of the Sicilian identity. Our primary interest focuses on the image of Sicilianism emerging from his films and the extent to which the artist’s place of origin determines his artistic creation. Our reflections are prompted by the 30th anniversary of the premiere of the most-valued film by this director – Cinema Paradiso .

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